Tuesday, May 08, 2012

Until I Die Tour Stop

Today I’m happy to be a part of the blog tour for Until I Die, the second book in the Revenants series which is a great paranormal series set in beautiful Paris, plus they have the most gorgeous covers. So today I have Amy here for a guest post, then I have a couple of giveaways for you, but first we’ve got my review:

Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Until I Die, the second book in the Revenants series, is very much a middle book, but we do learn tons more about the Revenant lore in addition to greater character development. And of course, we still have the beautiful Paris setting.

Oriented towards the Revenant lore, we’re plunged deeper into their background and history in this sequel. I was very interested in Amy Plum’s unique zombie lore from the beginning, so I was happy to get some more details on these unusual beings. Even though there is still some plot development included, the pacing hovers a bit on the slow side. However, if – like me- you enjoyed book 1 mostly for its characters and setting, you will not be disappointed. There is plenty of Paris presence, in which walks our well beloved characters.

Two of these beloved that shine in this novel are Jules and Georgia. I completely adore Jules. He is so sweet and every time he’s present he fills the book with humor and charm. Considerably more involved in this book- Kate’s sister, Georgia, also knows how to liven things up. She is simply a fun character – witty, spontaneous, and just plain buoyant. She has the confidence everyone wishes they had. I loved seeing more of her. She’s also someone we can always count on and put our trust into no matter what. This sisterly bond is another part of the book that I adore. There are a couple of new interesting personalities that join the already superb cast: Arthur is cranky but surprisingly intriguing. And Violette is a lot of fun, outgoing, and charming when she wants to be.

Since I wasn’t infatuated with the romantic plot in Die For Me, I was happy to find the romance was a tad more passionate in this second novel. Where the previous book left me underwhelmed, Until I Die made me see how, even though it’s not an all-consuming, lust-filled romance, the love for each other is definitely present. Their desperation fills the pages, but with an air of maturity. Almost as if they’ve together for years already. Add a Parisian setting to the mix, and we’ve got an enchanting love story.

An utterly shocking ending will make you long for the final book. It’s not every author who would dare go the route Amy went; I love how she’s not afraid to make things happen. This is not a fairy tale! For this reason though, I can see how some may not be to happy with it, nonetheless I thought it was an amazingly heartfelt, passionate ending that brings a lot of emotions to the surface. As a middle book, Until I Die is clearly a set up for the finale, but it’s still a great addition to the series that gives us plenty of development as far as character and world building. Book 3 – If I Should Die – promises to be heartbreaking and thoroughly intense.

The idea for the Paris trailer came from a tweet from a reader, who said, “You should go to all sorts of interesting places in Paris.” I thought about that, and decided to use signs and random people to give little tidbits about UNTIL I DIE. What I REALLY wanted to do was to include 2 big banners draped over the side of Paris’s bridges. I was going to take the tour boat, and as we were about to pass underneath, my assistants on the bridge would unfurl the banners, one of which would say “Kate loves Vincent” and on the next bridge “Vincent loves Kate”. Unfortunately, that proved a really difficult plan to carry out, and time was running out.

A friend told me about two American-French brothers, Nicolas and Amaro, who have a production company called HypeVandals in Paris, and I saw this video that they made of a party: http://vimeo.com/33970630, which I loved. I contacted them immediately. We talked on the phone and by Skype and I showed them what I wanted. And finally, after much discussion and explanation and planning of locations we wanted to use, and making of cards, we met up on a Wednesday, early in the morning, and began.

I had asked my Facebook followers to vote for the dress I would wear in my cameo that morning, so I showed up on the Alexandre III bridge wearing my bright red dress. We did the very last shot of the trailer first, with me holding the sign. And then we began hunting victims.

We went to each of the locations we wanted, and then I scoped out someone I found interesting. I approached them with a copy of DIE FOR ME in my hand (the hardback that has my picture on the back), and started speaking to them in French, and if they didn’t speak French I spoke in English, and twice had to resort to my really bad Italian. I would say something like, “Hi. I wrote this book, see? That’s me on the cover.” And if they hadn’t run away by then (which many did), I would say that I was shooting a video to promote the sequel and would they pose and hold a sign.

The “victims” were of all nationalities: French, Chinese, Italian, American, Australian, Belgian. People really enjoyed playing their roles, and most gave me their email addresses so that I could let them know when the video was up. I also had a few friends meet me along the way. Standing in front of Notre Dame with the “Team Ambrose” sign is Katia, an Australian podcaster who lives in Paris ( http://www.katiaandkyliemac.com/ ) The well-known French YA blogger Francesca is holding the “Kate Loves Vincent” sign on Pont Neuf (her Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Francesca_fr ) And in the extended version, my friend Laila is standing in front of the Pompidou Center with a “Revenants Rule” sign.

The hardest person to get was a policeman. I REALLY wanted one to hold the “Jules = Hot” sign, and had to ask several before I lucked out with the one I got. Yep, he looks pretty uncomfortable. He just kind of stared at the sign, for a minute, so I told him it was for a teenage book…as if that explained everything. He bought it.

And then there was the “More Hot French Guys” sign. I walked up and down the Champs-Elysees looking for a hot guy, until finally Nicolas said, “Hey, let’s just go across the street to Abercrombie.” The Abercrombie models were standing outside letting all of these tourists take photos of them. So I asked if they would hold the sign, and once they saw what it said, they were happy to! (You should have seen the crowd go crazy when they read the sign!)

One of my favorite shots, though, is the couple holding the “City of Love” sign. I mean, how cute are they? They were both French, and she had on the most creative romantic outfit. When I asked them, he looked to her to see if it was okay, and she was the one who said yes. And while they stood there, he just gave her the sweetest look and little squeeze and I just about melted.

We put everything we wanted in to the video, and it was way too long. But it killed me to take anything out permanently, so that is why I kept an Extended Version. And as for the song, this one is thanks to my Facebook followers as well. What would I do without my readers to vote on stuff? 🙂

The trailer turned out to be exactly what I wanted it to be: a love letter to Paris. Just like my DIE FOR ME trilogy is meant to be. I hope the trailer makes you want to read UNTIL I DIE, and to visit Paris to fall in love yourself!

Thank you so much for visiting, Amy! I truly adore the trailer. The Paris setting is one of my favorite aspect of this series so this is really a wonderful way to display it!

Amy Plum is the author of the International Bestseller DIE FOR ME, which is an Indie Next List pick, Romance Times top pick, and recipient of a starred review from School Library Journal. DIE FOR ME is the first novel in a YA trilogy set in Paris. Book 2 in the series, UNTIL I DIE, releases in May 2012. Amy grew up in Birmingham, Alabama before venturing further afield to Chicago, Paris, London and New York. An art historian by training, she can be found on most days either daydreaming or writing (or both) in a Parisian café.

This post is a part of:

Giveaway 1

Scavenger Hunt Giveaway

Each blog will be posting one letter (taken out of order) that is a scavenger related to Until I Die. For those that take part in this, and email Amy by the end of May, as this gives fans enough time to read Until I Die to help you put the puzzle together will be able to enter into a grand prize. Details are up on Amy’s site. Along with the GrandPrize being giving away on Amy’s blog on May 12th, each blog will be giving away a prize pack. Be sure to follow the tour! Click on banner above to view the schedule

Xpresso Reads’ scavenger hunt word:

through?

Giveaway 2

Amy has generously offered one signed paperback copy of Die For Me up for grabs

Canadian blogger, wife, mother, coffee lover, and sarcastic at heart! She has had a love for all things bookish since before Amazon and eReaders existed *le gasp*. You can also find her organizing tours and other fun things at Xpresso Book Tours.

First of all, in general I just wanted to say always enjoy your reviews. They are very well written, and always tell me what I want to know about a book. I really like the sound of this one. I haven’t read either one in the series, but they are on my list. I should, perhaps, move them up! Thanks.

Okay I love that book trailer. I think it’s really cute especially after reading the guest post and knowing a bit about some of the people holding the signs. I still have to read Die For Me. I have heard a lot of mixed things about Until I Die, but since you are my soulmate and you like it, I most likely will like it too. Now I just need to read the first one. 🙂 Great review!!

kyaaaaaaaaaa! Giselle! Im swooning!!!!!!!! Im so happy you liked this book! I love Amy Plum ^.^ I love Die For Me! kyaaaaaaa!!Excellent review my sweetheart! thanks so much for sharing this awesome guest post as well. I really love the trailer. It capture all the romantic feeling of France and Die For Me/Until I Die.

Love this Trailer, truly I love it so much!! but. I also loved DIE FOR ME so I’m super eager to finally pick up Until I DIE…

Although I do not live in Paris, I have been there quote a few times since I grew up in a part of Germany where it was only around 5 hrs by car to Paris. So, when we were older and finally had a car we spend spontanous weekends in Paris.. so I loved to see a few places I actually know! :))

@Amy Plum i’ve got to say that’s a really good trailer. One of the best i have ever seen. It’s so cute and adorable!! =D

I have just finished reading Die For Me and it was mindblowng! Can’t wait to get my hands on this and seriousy your review is killing me! I want to read Untl I Die right now! And the cliffhanger sunds really good?! Oh god, this looks like it’s going to be amazing!

What an awesome blog stop today!!! Okay, confession time, I have the hardback of Die For Me sitting on my shelf waiting for me so I had to skim carefully through your review but I’m SURE it’s an excellent review, as always 😀

But how cool of Amy to share her process of making a book trailer! What a daunting task to make one in another country. And I agree, the City of Love sign holding couple was the best part!!!-Kristin @myparahangover

Giselle, I loved Die For Me so I’m looking forward to learning more about the revenant mythology. I’m glad that you thought the romance was more passionate this one, and I can’t wait to revisit with Jules, Kate and Vincent.

Awesome post 🙂 !! I’m sooo glad you enjoyed Until I Die, it makes me even more excited to read the book. I still have to order a copy though .. Die For Me was amazing 🙂 !! I loved reading about the sory of the trailer. This trailer is amazing : it makes me want to go to Paris again and I’m really happy to have a YA book set in my country 🙂 !! Thank you so much for the giveaways 🙂 !!

I just bought the first book of the series on my kindle. I mean, how could I not? It’s 1.99$ and it sounds awesome. I had never heard of this series until a few weeks ago. Anxious to read both of them now after this review!

Love both your review, and Amy’s guest post. You always give so many details and it seems to me that you’re reviews are getting more and more eloquent every day 🙂 Miss chatting with ya!

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Giselle

Giselle is a wife and mother who lives on books and coffee - what else is there?
She's known to be sarcastic and rarely serious. She loves reading books, blogging
about books, chatting about books, and smelling books. Although YA is her current
favorite she has a wide variety of genres that she enjoys. She likes her characters
bad-ass, her plots full of action and her fair share of gore - though she will
indulge in a chick-lit here and there. In short, she'll read anything. She's
also the mind behind Xpresso Book Tours.

Amy

Hi! I'm Amy! I'm no good at this, but I'm a mom of one little girl
who really thinks she is a princess. I love reading all sorts of
books (horror being a favorite genre of mine), love meeting new
people, drinking lots of coffee, and eating chocolate. If you want
to know anything else about me, just ask.

Rashika

Rashika is a mysterious creature who likes to hide in the shadows
and plan horrifying things. She also happens to have a huge sweet
tooth so she will lure you over to the dark side with baked goodies
and good book recommendations.

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